Explainer
The coronavirus laws to be lifted in Northern Ireland
All Northern Ireland coronavirus laws are to lift from Tuesday, February 15.
The health minister confirmed the changes in a statement to the Assembly on Monday. He warned people the virus had not gone away and for the public to remain vigilant.
He stressed there were no plans to change current arrangements for testing, isolating and contact tracing.
Anyone with the virus should isolate for a minimum five days. It can end on day six provided they have two clear negative tests taken 24 hours apart. Should tests continue to be positive isolation can end on day 10. However, if you have a high temperature you should continue to isolate until it returns to normal for 48 hours.
After having the virus, people are advised to limit their close contacts for 14 days after the start of their self-isolation period.
Those unvaccinated must isolate for 10 days.
Here are the coronavirus measures which will be removed from legislation:
Wearing of face masks in enclosed public areas of premises such as restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs, public transport, driving instruction, close contact services.
Requirement to use Covid Certification in nightclubs and indoor unseated gatherings of 500+
Restriction on meeting indoors at a private dwelling or at a rave (30+ people)
Requirements in respect of shops:- Risk assessment carried out, all reasonable measures to limit the risk of transmission
Requirements in respect of theatres, concert halls, conference and exhibition centres and other indoor venues used for performance, conferences or exhibitions:- Risk assessment, all reasonable measures to limit the risk of transmission, collection of visitor information.
Requirements in respect of hospitality venues, including those outdoors under an occasional licence- Risk assessment, all reasonable measures to limit the risk of transmission, Collection of visitor information.
Requirements in respect of tourist accommodation:- Collection of visitor information.
Requirements in respect of any organised indoor gathering over 15 or outdoor gathering over 30:- Risk assessment, all reasonable measures to limit the risk of transmission.
Requirements in respect of funerals and wakes:- Compliance with Department of Health guidance on funerals.
Requirements in respect of weddings and civil partnership ceremonies:- Collection of visitor information.
Requirements in respect of close contact services:- Collection of visitor information.